Maha Mastakabhisheka is a Jain festival held in Shravanabelagola, Karnataka, India, where the statue of Bahubali is anointed with various substances every 12 years.
Start
Feb 17, 2036 at 12:00 AM
End
11:59 PM
Notes
- Jain festival, Shravanabelagola, statue anointment, every 12 years.
The grand Mahamastakabhisheka, held in Shravanabelagola, Karnataka, is a unique ritual and celebration that has no parallel anywhere in the world. This extraordinary event takes place once every 12 years and is eagerly anticipated by people from all walks of life. The Mahamastakabhisheka involves the anointment of the colossal statue of Gomateshwara, also known as Bahubali, which stands proudly atop the Vindhyagiri Hill in Shravanabelagola.
The previous Mahamastakabhisheka, the 88th in its series, occurred in 2018, and the next one is scheduled for 2030. There are various explanations as to why this event takes place every 12 years, but the most plausible theory suggests that it aligns with the time it took to complete the construction of the Gomateshwara statue.
During the Mahamastakabhisheka, Shravanabelagola becomes the center of attention, attracting approximately a million visitors who embark on the arduous journey up the steep path leading to the Vindhyagiri hills. There, they witness the awe-inspiring 57-foot-tall monolithic statue of Bahubali, believed to be one of its kind in the world, dating back to 981 AD.
The Mahamastakabhisheka serves as a magnificent tribute to the legendary Bahubali. This ritual has been carried out on a grand scale every 12 years since 981 AD. Elaborate scaffolding is erected around the colossal Gomateshwara statue in preparation for the anointment. The week-long celebrations culminate with the grand Mahamastakabhisheka ceremony.
During the ceremony, 1008 Kalashas, pots filled with holy water, are placed at the feet of the Gomateshwara statue and then carried up the scaffolding by devoted followers. The water is poured over the idol while sacred chants fill the air. Sequentially, the statue is anointed with coconut water, sugarcane juice, sandalwood paste, Vermilion, and various types of flowers. Additionally, ardent devotees offer gold, silver, and precious stones to Lord Bahubali.
The Mahamastakabhisheka is an unparalleled event that showcases the deep-rooted faith and reverence of its participants. It is a testament to the enduring legacy of Bahubali and a celebration of devotion on a grand scale.
The previous Mahamastakabhisheka, the 88th in its series, occurred in 2018, and the next one is scheduled for 2030. There are various explanations as to why this event takes place every 12 years, but the most plausible theory suggests that it aligns with the time it took to complete the construction of the Gomateshwara statue.
During the Mahamastakabhisheka, Shravanabelagola becomes the center of attention, attracting approximately a million visitors who embark on the arduous journey up the steep path leading to the Vindhyagiri hills. There, they witness the awe-inspiring 57-foot-tall monolithic statue of Bahubali, believed to be one of its kind in the world, dating back to 981 AD.
The Mahamastakabhisheka serves as a magnificent tribute to the legendary Bahubali. This ritual has been carried out on a grand scale every 12 years since 981 AD. Elaborate scaffolding is erected around the colossal Gomateshwara statue in preparation for the anointment. The week-long celebrations culminate with the grand Mahamastakabhisheka ceremony.
During the ceremony, 1008 Kalashas, pots filled with holy water, are placed at the feet of the Gomateshwara statue and then carried up the scaffolding by devoted followers. The water is poured over the idol while sacred chants fill the air. Sequentially, the statue is anointed with coconut water, sugarcane juice, sandalwood paste, Vermilion, and various types of flowers. Additionally, ardent devotees offer gold, silver, and precious stones to Lord Bahubali.
The Mahamastakabhisheka is an unparalleled event that showcases the deep-rooted faith and reverence of its participants. It is a testament to the enduring legacy of Bahubali and a celebration of devotion on a grand scale.
